The terrier is a group of dog breeds initially bred for hunting and killing vermin. Whilst usually small, these dogs are brave and tough, and have a lively, energetic, and almost hyperactive personality.

Most terrier breeds were developed in the British Isles. They were used to hunt fox, otter, badger, and rat both over and under the ground. In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French terrier and before that the Latin 'terra', meaning earth.

Terrier Group is also an official breed grouping for most of the major kennel clubs including the AKC, ANKC, CKC , Fédération Cynologique Internationale, KC(UK), NZKC and UKC. Bear in mind that not all terriers are in the terrier group, and not all dogs in the terrier groups are terriers.

See:

• AKC, ANKC, CKC KC(UK), NZKC and UKC Terrier Group
• FCI Terrier Group

Terrier types and groups

Terrier breeds can be divided into different types and groups, such as:

• Hunting Terrier s - used to find, track, or trail quarry, and then bolt from a den or tree the quarry.
• Show Terrier s - bred for the show ring or as small pets.
• Working Terrier s - used to work denning quarry.
  • Fell Terriers - breeds developed in northern England for predator eradication.
  • Hunt Terrier s - breeds developed in southern England to bolt foxes during a traditional fox hunt.

Terrier breeds